Broadband Router

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What Does Broadband Router Mean?

A broadband router is a type of networking device that allows end users to access broadband Internet from an Internet service provider (ISP). The ISP usually provides and configures a broadband router for end users.

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A broadband router is also known as a broadband modem, digital subscriber line (DSL) modem or asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) modem.

Techopedia Explains Broadband Router

The Internet connection provided by a broadband router can be any of the following:

  • Digital subscriber line (DSL)
  • Asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL)
  • Wireless
  • Fiber optic
  • Coaxial
  • Any other high-speed network medium

A broadband router combines the features of a network switch, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server and firewall in one device. It generally has several local area network (LAN) ports and built-in security features. Many broadband routers today are also WiFi routers, with wireless connectivity options.

The key features of a broadband router are:

  • Provides connectivity and authenticates ISP subscribers
  • Enables broadband Internet access for users
  • Connects using wired or wireless LAN
  • Provides simultaneous Internet access for multiple users
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Margaret Rouse
Technology expert
Margaret Rouse
Technology expert

Margaret is an award-winning writer and educator known for her ability to explain complex technical topics to a non-technical business audience. Over the past twenty years, her IT definitions have been published by Que in an encyclopedia of technology terms and cited in articles in the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine, and Discovery Magazine. She joined Techopedia in 2011. Margaret’s idea of ​​a fun day is to help IT and business professionals to learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages.